The Huge Camel and a tiny eye of a Needle

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eighth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 10:17-27*

*First Reading : Sir 17:20-24*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7*

*The Huge Camel and a tiny eye of a Needle*

*1) A Striking Contrast*

A camel was the largest commonly known animal in the region.

The eye of a needle was one of the smallest openings imaginable.

This exaggerated contrast powerfully illustrates how impossible it is for someone who clings to wealth over God to enter the Kingdom.

*2) Extreme Difficulty (or Impossibility)*

A Camel physically cannot pass through a tiny needle’s eye.

Likewise a person consumed by wealth and self-sufficiency finds it nearly impossible to enter God's kingdom.

Riches can lead to pride, self-reliance, and a reluctance to surrender to God. 

Jesus warns that material possessions often become a spiritual burden rather than a blessing.

*3) A Test of Priorities*

Jesus had just encountered the Rich Young Ruler, who walked away sad because he valued his wealth more than following Christ.

This statement warns that wealth, when prioritized over faith, becomes a barrier to salvation.

*4) Impossibility Without God*

Just as a camel cannot pass through a literal needle’s eye, no one can earn salvation through wealth or good deeds alone.

Jesus teaches that salvation is a gift from God, possible only through His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

This shows that salvation is ultimately a work of God's grace, not human effort.

*5) Humility Before God*

A camel must bow low to enter a narrow gate, just as a rich person must humble themselves before God.

Pride and self-reliance are obstacles to salvation, but humility allows God to work in us (James 4:6).

Some suggest *the eye of a needle* could refer to a small gate in Jerusalem, but there is little historical evidence for this.

*6) Final Lesson*

Just as a camel cannot pass through a needle’s eye without being stripped of its burdens, a person clinging to wealth and status struggles to enter God’s kingdom.

Jesus calls for a heart that is free from material attachments, emphasizing spiritual over worldly riches

Jesus doesn’t say wealth itself is evil, but rather the love of wealth can become an obstacle (1 Timothy 6:10). 

The key is to live with open hands—generous, humble, and dependent on God rather than possessions.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*